To John Dereszewski, sorry for my delayed comment. Lugosi was not himself a magician. He had a magician accompany him on these “spook shows”. Generally Lugosi would do three or so separate Dracula scenes with the magic done in between those scenes. On occasion he would help with some of the tricks and sometimes participated in the blackout portion of the show. One of his old Monogram films from the Forties usually was the film on the bill.

Wurlitzer’s records show that they shipped a 2-manual, 8 rank pipe organ, Style F, opus 1390 to the Bushwick Theatre in Brooklyn in the summer of 1926. This implies that the Bushwick had started showing movies by that date.

Hello Lugos, while I cannot help you on this, since I was only one yeat old at the time, your comments raised a few questions that I hope you can address. First, given the fact that this was, at least in part, a “magic show”, was Lugosi actually some sort of a magician as well as an actor or was the “magic” aspect just part of the show? Also, were these 1951 performances made in conjunction with the release of one of his recent movies or were they free standing events – or did they accompany the showing of another movie in which Lugosi did not appear? I know that by 1951, live stage presentations at most movie houses were pretty much limited to celebrity appearances made to boost attendance for the celebrity’s most recently released film, which was being presented on the same date. Did the Lugosi appearances fall into this category or were they somewhat different?

On Tuesday 13 February 1951, Bela “Dracula” Lugosi presented his in person Horror and Magic Stage show at RKO Bushwick. Currently I am conducting research on all things Lugosi; if anyone out there actually saw this show and/or has memorabilia (poster, handbill, photos) related to this show, please contact Bill at Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Unfortunately, when I returned from my vacation, I found a response to my “landmark the RKO Bushwick” request in my mailbox. Specifically, the Landmarks Commission noted that, since the building is “too significantly altered to meet the criteria for designation” it will not be recommended for designation.

Given the Commission’s interest in designating other – and frankly less imposing – facades such as the Bushwick and the Shore, I was more than a bit perplexed by this decision.

If anyone wishes to take up the torch on this issue, I would certainly welcome your interest.

Peter, I actually put the ball in motion and, earlier today, submitted a “Request for Evaluation” for the landmarking of the old Bushwick’s facade to the Landmarks Commission. This will probably trigger an investigation of this site for its “landmarks-worthiness”.

My request did specifically reference this page. However, any of you may wish to reinforce my proposal by also writing to the Commission in support. You should send your correspondence to:

Although it should definitely be a landmark, since it wonderfully reflects the best of theaters created a century ago, the old RKO Bushwick has never been so designated. Since the Landmarks Commission has exhibited a recent interest in noting such gems, this is clearly the time to move on this issue.

Given the fact that its exterior remains not only generally intact but beautifully restored, serious thought should be given to its being declared a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Commission. Since, as demonstrated by the recent landmarking of the Ridgewood, Canal and Shore Theatres' facades, the Commission is clearly interested in this topic – and since, if anything, the Bushwick’s facade compares favorably to that of the recent designees – this appears to be a very “doable” venture. Finally, as the Bushwick’s interior has been thoroughly gutted, exterior designation should be a rather uncomplicated affair that will provide no apparent reason for anyone – especially the owner – to oppose it. In other words, this can be a real “win-win” situation.

I never noticed the cherobs were missing on the west side of the building. They are still present on the Bway side. They are surely gone forever, as they were still there in old photos of the theater when it was in shambles in the 90’s. I did however look at a photo I took of the building in 2003 from the Gates platform, and they were already gone.

Great article, John D. “Montrose Morris” was on the June 27 2010 Bushwick walking tour. I spoke to her about the Loews Gates, Monroe, Century / Shubert and RKO Bushwick Theatres at the end of the tour before heading off on my own to the B-52 bus to Ridgewood.

I first knew The Brownstoner as a magazine in fall 1977 when I was a student at Cooper Union, from one of my profs, Jean LeMee, who lived in a Brooklyn brownstone at the time.

I like the simile in the article of the RKO Bushwick as a ship. Very apt and clever !